Square Credit Card Reader times out on Samsung Tablets (7A and 9+)

[SilverStarArt]

Connecting a Square credit card wireless reader through Bluetooth, it times out with a "Server Error" message or a "Reader Failed to Connect" message. Various operations will reconnect the reader (rebooting app, stopping and restarting Bluetooth, etc.) but then it times out again after just a few minutes. 
Have had this problem with a Samsung Tab 7a and a newer 9+. Problem does not seem to be present with Galaxy 24 phone. Problem exists with multiple Square Chip Card Readers (Generation 1 and Generation 2.)
Have spent hours pursuing a solution through Square, and have exhausted every troubleshooting effort. Their customer managers always come to the conclusion that it is a problem with the Samsung Tablets themselves - perhaps the result of some software update.
Please help! My business depends on being able to take Square payments on my Samsung Tablet!

[HunkyDory1 · Accepted solution]

Issue 1 - Square Reader 2nd Generation 'randomly' disconnects from Galaxy Tab A8 (also from S22 Mobile device prior to v6.53w release)

Issue 2 - Square Reader 2nd Generation disconnects from Galaxy Tab A8 when 'Out Of Range' or tablet is switched off, but doesn't automatically re-connect when back in range or tablet switched back on.

Although this appears to be random, you may notice it has disconnected a few minutes after the tablet has entered screen saving mode and the screen is re-activated. If you select "Try Again" and wait - the connection will re-establish in around 5 minutes. This is not convenient if you have customers waiting to pay via contactless.

This error message is misleading as it should probably say "Reader has Disconnected"

1. Update Square App to version 6.53w
2. Ensure Android OS is up to date.
3. Open Samsung 'Settings'
4. Search down list for 'Apps'
5. Search down list for 'Square Point Of Sale'
6. Search down option for 'Battery'
7. Select option 'Unrestricted'

You may now have solved your issue. If this does not solve your issue, place a support ticket.

Hope this helps for issue 1. 

Issue 2 is still outstanding. The only workaround for when a reader connection gets into a doom loop attempting to reconnect after the connection is lost due to either the reader going out of range, or the App is closed and taken out of memory, or the tablet is powered off is to select the reader in the App, and use the 'Forget This Reader' option. Then re-pair the reader in the App.

[SilverStarArt]

Thanks for the tip - will try this weekend!